SOURCE: CAmerican University
WHAT: Walk for Peace at American University
WHEN: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 approximately 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Bender Arena
American University
4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
During the peace-sharing program, the monks will be joined by university leadership and spiritual life representatives from Kay Spiritual Life Center for brief remarks and reflection on peace, compassion, and nonviolence.
The event is free and open to the AU and local community. Parking is limited to those with an AU ID, space is limited, and registration is required to attend.
👉 Register Today: https://american.swoogo.com/walkforpeace/begin
February 10th at 9:30 a.m. in Bender Arena
Please join us at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, as American University welcomes Venerable Monks of the Dhammacetiya to campus to mark the conclusion of their Walk for Peace, a 2,300-mile pilgrimage from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC.
The Walk for Peace is a nonpolitical spiritual journey grounded in Buddhist teachings and meditative practice. Its purpose is to promote peace, compassion, mindfulness, and loving-kindness, rather than protest or political action. Over the course of more than 100 days and across 10 states, the monks have engaged with communities to share a message of unity and nonviolence.
The monks chose to include AU as one of the final stops of their Walk for Peace because of our long-standing tradition of convening interfaith communities at the Kay Spiritual Life Center (KSLC). For 60 years, the KLSC has been as a place of prayer, welcome, belonging, and meditation for dozens of faith and belief communities, including the Theravada Buddhist community.
During their visit, the monks will participate in a peace-sharing speaking program at Bender Arena. The program will include remarks from:
AU President Jonathan R. Alger
University Chaplain, Rev. Eric Doolittle
Kay Spiritual Life Center’s Buddhist monk, the Venerable Bhante Katugastota Uparatana
The Venerable Bhante Bhikkhu Pannakara, representing the Walk for Peace
Important Registration and Entry Information
Admission is restricted to valid Ticketholders Only.
Only registered guests with a valid ticket will be allowed entry into Bender Arena.
All guests (except children below the age of 3) require a ticket to enter the arena.
AU community members (faculty, staff, and students) must bring an active, physical AU ID card and enter through the designated AU ID line
Paid parking is available to individuals with a valid AU ID only.
Doors open at 8:00 a.m.
Minors below the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian or adult.
Any individual exhibiting disruptive behavior, as determined by University staff or AUPD, may be subject to removal.
All bags are subject to inspection upon entry to Bender Arena. No large bags or backpacks.
For security purposes, do not leave bags unattended.
Objects that impede visibility or participation, such as signs, banners, airhorns, and noisemakers, are prohibited.
Sale or duplication of tickets is prohibited.
No re-entry permitted.
Event Etiquette
The Venerable Monks are respected religious leaders within their community. Visitors are highly encouraged to observe the following guidelines as a sign of respect:
Please maintain appropriate distance, keep a clear path of travel, keep noise level down, and walk behind the venerable Monks at all times.
Greet monks with a traditional wai by placing palms together and offering a slight bow.
Dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered.
Refrain from physical contact.
Avoid pointing feet or fingers toward the monks.
Do not offer gifts, with the exception of flowers or cards.
Offer items using the right hand and speak softly and clearly.
Map and Directions
Join us in Bender Arena at American University’s beautiful campus in the heart of the nation’s capital, at 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016.
https://american.swoogo.com/walkforpeace/11046565
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